• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for July 10, 2013

Man Van: 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

July 10, 2013 by admin 6 Comments

The Dodge Grand Caravan is the antithesis of a sports car, a wholly practical vehicle that has dutifully served as a family hauler for the past three decades. When the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan were introduced in 1983, a new vehicle segment, minivans, was introduced. The Grand Caravan, a stretched wheelbase version of the Caravan arrived a few years later and it, along with the Chrysler Town & Country, are what remain of Chrysler’s minivan offerings.

Dodge Grand Caravan

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

The tested model was a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T, a vehicle that arrived following my week with the BMW M6 Coupe. Where the BMW was all about unbridled speed and opulence on a sport frame, the Dodge Grand Caravan was two tons of slab styling, a veritable rolling embarrassment and an exercise in personal humility. Contrasts and humility aside, I did get used to the Dodge and it ended up being the family hauler of choice for my wife and our two sons.

The Dodge Grand Caravan is available in five trim levels, with the R/T the most expensive of the lot. This model features a sport-tuned suspension, polished aluminum wheels and black leather seating surfaces. Supposedly, these changes make the Grand Caravan more appealing to dads you know, us guys who absolutely detest soccer mom vehicles. Well, as the saying goes: you cant put lipstick on a pig and make it look like something else. It is still a pig.

Minivans and Crossovers

But, Dodge has tried its very best with the R/T and just one week with its minivan showed this writer why these vehicles remain popular despite the wholesale shift to crossover SUVs.

Indeed, Dodge has a pair of crossovers that siphon sales from the Grand Caravan: the Journey and the Durango. Neither model, however, can match the Grand Caravan in interior room and passenger utility: the Grand Caravans strength is with its interior room and how that room can be converted into a massive storage compartment on wheels thanks to its innovative stow n go seating arrangement. It is now called Super Stow ‘N Go as both second and third row seats fold effortlessly into the floor, creating a cavernous storage area suitable for bringing home those yard sale finds. No other manufacturer offers disappearing seats, what both the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country are noted for.

The Grand Caravan R/T features quad halogen headlamps that flank the Dodge crosshairs grille and are located directly above its fog lights. The vans body lines are as upright and nondescript as you can get, but both rear doors slide open and, along with the liftgate, are power operated. Access to the second and third rows is ridiculously easy with the second row captains chairs folding forward with just one touch of a button. The third row seat offers sufficient room for three, although you will soon notice that back support is wanting what was sacrificed to ensure that these seats can fold into the floor without excess padding getting in the way. For kids, the last seat works out just fine, for adults not so much.

Storage Compartments Galore

One thing that I have my oldest son do whenever a family vehicle arrives is to count the number of storage compartments. Those compartments are usually in abundance with family haulers and the Dodge Grand Caravan shines in this department. Or should I say, compartments.

We counted 11 drink holders and also found storage compartments in the doors, the door sills, between the front seats, at the foot of the front seats at the bottom of the center stack, two glove boxes, and other nooks and crannies throughout. A mother must have designed the interior with both her children and her children’s friends in mind, leaving no chance that enough storage could be left out.

And inside of those compartments were some surprises too: the upper glove box featured a USB port, the forward storage compartment included a pair of 12-volt outlets and the aft storage compartment had a removable tray. The Dodge Grand Caravan R/T also comes equipped with a 115-volt outlet; a third 12-volt outlet is found in the cargo area. That cargo area also houses the spare tire jack and winch on the left and a removable flashlight on the right. The spare tire itself is located underneath the Dodge and is released by rotating a nut located underneath the removable storage compartment up front. A YouTube video demonstrates how that is done.

(See Also — Spotlight: American Children’s Home Show-off Show)

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan
The Grand Caravan’s stow ‘n go seating.

Ride and Drive

Every 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan is outfitted with a Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine that is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. That means that the base American Value Package model is priced from $19,995 and just may be the only V-6 model offered at such a low price point. Likely, you’ll choose one of the better trim packages especially if a navigation system, XM radio and a comfortable drivers seat are important to you.

The Dodge Grand Caravan moves with ease and taps as much as 283 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque as needed. For the most part the engine was responsive with only minor hesitation when stepping on the accelerator to pass at highway speeds. Its a normally aspirated engine for this front-wheel drive model; a turbocharged engine would have been overkill and likely would have made handling an oversteer nightmare.

That said, the sport-tuned suspension system yields a vehicle that is easy to handle, one with a taut turning radius and is also a snap to park. Still, it isn’t a sports car and if you’re expecting a hot ride, you wont find it in the Dodge Grand Caravan. Instead, check out the Dodge Durango to fulfill your need for sportiness and speed.

Dodge Grand Caravan R/T: The Man Van?!

View manufacturer details and pricing

Oh, the Interior

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan
This Dodge has a dashboard-mounted transmission shifter.

If you sense that you are driving a box on wheels with the Dodge Grand Caravan, then you have nailed it. Even so, this model offers a pleasant driver’s seat with controls placed where you would expect them.

That anomaly aside, the instrument gauges are big and brightly lit, featuring both digital and analog displays. The UConnect touchscreen in the center stack provides ease of access to infotainment controls, what you can mange by touch or by voice.

As a dad, there are some nifty features that the Dodge Grand Caravan offers besides what was mentioned earlier. The second and third row seats benefit from manual sun shades and the second row windows also power down. The overhead console, an entertainment delight, features a pair of 9-inch screens visible to second and third row passengers. Lastly, when equipped with a trailering package, this van pulls up to 3,600 pounds.

Yes, if you can’t have a Ram 1500 or the Dodge Durango, you may be able to make something of this man van, a vehicle that still achieves high marks for many families.

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

  • Sticker price from $29,995
  • Seats 7 occupants
  • 3.6-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine
  • 283 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
  • 260 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 rpm
  • 3.78 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.2-to-1
  • 6-speed AutoStick transmission
  • Wheelbase: 121.2 inches
  • Length: 202.8 inches
  • Width: 78.7 inches
  • Height: 67.9 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 156.1 cubic feet
  • Storage Volume: 33/143.8 cubic feet
  • Towing Capacity: 3,600 pounds
  • EPA: 17 mpg city, 25 mpg hwy.
  • Fuel Tank: 20 gallons
  • Curb Weight: From 4,510 pounds
  • Vehicle Assembly: Windsor, Ontario Canada

See Also — Oft-Dismissed Minivans Propel Fiat Chrysler Sales

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, minivan, Pentastar V-6, stow 'n go seating, SUV

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival

Recent Comments

  • Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Minivan Surprise: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact, Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
July 2013
S M T W T F S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  
« Jun   Aug »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in